Andrey Kirilenko playing for Russia at the London 2012 Olympics (RIA Novosti / Alexey Filippov)Russian basketball star, Andrey Kirinenko, has made it to the list of ten candidates for FIBA’s European Players of the Year in 2012.
“Returning to Russia during the NBA lockout, Kirilenko thrived in Moscow,” FIBA’s official website wrote about the Russian’s achievements in the past year. “The 31-year-old was instrumental in leading CSKA to the Euroleague final and gold in the Russian domestic and VTB Leagues. The 2.06m forward then turned his attentions to national duties, navigating his team through a difficult Olympic Qualifying Draw in Venezuela, before averaging a team-high 17.5 points-a-night in London, helping Russia secure bronze. Returning to the US this season, Kirilenko has made a promising start in Minnesota, averaging 13.8 points and 7.8 rebounds a night through the first 14 games of the season.”Danilo Gallinari (Italy, Denver Nuggets), Goran Dragic (Slovenia, Phoenix Suns), Marc Gasol (Spain, Memphis Grizzlies), Marcin Gortat (Poland, Phoenix Suns), Nikola Pekovic (Montenegro, Minnesota Timberwolves), Omer Asik (Turkey, Houston Rockets), Pau Gasol (Spain Los Angeles Lakers), Tony Parker (France, San Antonio Spurs) and Vassilis Spanoulis (Greece and Olympiacos) will be AK-47’s rivals for the prestigious award. Kirilenko has already been selected European Player of the Year back in 2007 when Team Russia won the continental champions. Meanwhile, American-born Russian international, Becky Hammon, who defends the colors of Moscow region side SpartaK, will battle it out for Europe’s Female Player of 2012. The vote is already underway at FIBAEurope.com and will run until 31 January. The winners will be announced in mid-February, with the results of the public vote being combined with the opinion of
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